Hamlet, have you been imbibing? Or taking other things? Your last post didn't make any sense at all - at least to me.

Anyway, do tell us, what is this mystery site/forum that you do "inhabit"?

Is it for real or is it virtual?

And BTW, you're slip is definitely showing my dear, and gosh, it's very bright red.

Fellow Human,

In a democracy, it is OK to discuss and criticise anyone and anything. Presumably, that’s why immigrants move here from countries where this is not so. We are not “turning into a society where everyone is so free to comment on everyone else….”, we have always been that society – just like any other Western democratic society. As a rule, we just smile and get on with life when confronted with something we feel is ‘odd’ or different. But, when we have people not prepared to accept our way of life, but rather waving their ways in our face and daring us, with the aid of self-hating locals, to comment, then we react.

I notice that you still have no answer on whether or not the wearing of headscarves is a religious requirement. You’ve had two chances now, but even though you claim to be Muslim and know all about it, still no comment. The silence is strange in one who is usually very vocal, and only too willing to jump on anyone and everyone in your 171 plus posts “mainly explaining views across the board on Muslims and Islamic religion” and “also commenting on nation building matter such as taxation, laws and liberties, technology, etc.” (From your post 25th October) Phew! What an expert you claim to be.

But could it be, that you, like many other religionists – not just Muslims – are guided by blind faith and dogma which has no answers in logic?

Finally, your freedom/disguised fascism remark puts you in the same class as the other name callers and is not worthy of you, considering your usual politeness.

Leigh,

I commented above on headscarfs.

the Hijab verse the Quran refers to cover the chest which some interpretations concluded that you must wear a head scarf to cover under the neck. Hijab also means to wear what is non-transparent and non-descriptive of the body (that is men and women).

Some women wear it or follow this interpretation and some don't.

Fellow human, why is it that even though the religious speak of love and acceptance, they try to do what they can to confront those in secular countries, that have accepted their religion and in lots of cases them and their families.

In countries controlled by religion, confrontation towards their religious culture is not tolerated. If islam were a gentle, loving religion, would it not be more important to be accepted within the community as a religious part of it. Rather than confront the community with your religious demands, that will force the community to change to being more religious, against the communities wishes.

The Hijab along with the cultural approach of muslims is not acceptable in this country, for most. No matter what you say, it is causing problems. For a lesser number, all forceful expressions by religion, whether it be door knocking, advertising or pressure upon the community, to drop its secular approach and accept, then adopt the religious approach is obnoxious.

At what point does Islam, the religion of peace and love, decide that its approach is causing disharmony, and in the interests of preserving and developing that religious love with others, drop their antagonistic and demanding approach.

Or is it as it appears, that religion provides a set of words as an example of their religion, then they implement a completely different set of actions as their practise. Try not avoid an answer if you possibly can, or maybe reality is to far beyond islam for it to have any answers.

Its working!

Religion divides again.

If Muslim women have perennial dandruff thats their problem, and Australians would appreciate it if they stopped making it obvious.

The problem can be solved easily, buy anti-dandruff shampoo and then you won't have to wear such ugly headgear and look so awful.

Thankyou, Fellow Human: I think we have reached some stage reality. You use “interpretations” and not “requirements”. Some Muslims choose one interpretation; some choose another or go their own way. That is the same with all religions. Some pick and choose what they want from their religion, but not the things they don’t want. Take alcohol for example. I expect that some Muslims drink alcohol. Many Christians overlook the fact most denominations (I don’t think Catholics are included) frown upon the use of alcohol, but that doesn’t stop them from drinking it. They can’t even agree on Christ turning the water to wine. Some use that as an excuse to drink alcohol, others say that it was “new wine” (unfermented grape juice).

I regard all religions as a bit odd and unnecessary while denying the rights of others to their beliefs. But, no religion has caused problems here and worldwide like Islam has since it has been moving out of it traditional locales. Yes, there have been Muslims in Australia since the year dot; but relatively few of them and those kept a very low profile. It is unrealistic to expect that the natural human characteristics and instincts of any group of people will not come into play when there is confrontation from a creed so alien to the host group.

A contributor to the book “The Multicultural Experiment” (sorry, I can’t remember name and details) mused on the chance of a liberalised branch of Islam that would fit comfortably into Western society. He wasn’t very hopeful though.

In the meantime, The Alchemist has put some poignant questions which, in my opinion, sum up the concerns of many people looking for answers to the very real concerns they have about Islam in Australia